Obituary index

Donald Morehead

[JAN. 22, 2007]  SALEM, Ore. -- Donald King Morehead, 69, Lincoln, Ill., native, went to meet his Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007, after a yearlong battle with lung cancer.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for March 9 at 10 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Salem. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at Willamette National Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.

Mr. Morehead retired from the U.S. Army in 1979 after 23 years of service.

He was born July 14, 1937, in Lincoln, Ill., to Milo and Catherine Morehead. He married Barbara Lowery in 1960, and two children were born of the marriage: Jackie Morehead and Douglas Morehead. That marriage ended in 1980. Don had been engaged to Charlene Langholz in 1957; they found each other again 23 years later in 1981, married and celebrated 25 years together.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene; his daughter, Jackie Morehead; his 96-year-old mother, Catherine Milleville of Lincoln, Ill.; stepchildren Mike (and Cathy) McCormick of Salem Ore., and Bonnie (and Todd) Beal of Spokane, Wash.; a brother, Milo Morehead of Springfield, Ill.; and eight grandchildren; Tony of San Antonio, Texas, Jennifer, Amy, Alex, Kent and Kerbi of Salem, Ore., and Daniel and David of Spokane, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his father; his son, Douglas Morehead; and a younger brother, Steven Morehead.

He joined the Army in 1954, serving in Germany, .Korea, Vietnam and several state sites. He spent part of each year from 1966 to 1971 on three tours of duty in Vietnam. He believed in defense of his country and was extremely proud of his military service, traveling the world.

When he moved to Salem in 1981, he worked as a cook at Lancaster Village and Willamette University and for nearly 10 years at the Triangle Cafe in South Salem.

He volunteered two years at Union Gospel Mission and one year at the Willamette Valley Humane Society. He quit both of those jobs to take his most rewarding job of all, as full-time baby sitter for five years for two of his grandchildren, Daniel and David Beal.

He loved any time relaxing with his family and staying close to home, but he also loved to visit family and friends in other states. He and Charlene traveled thousands of miles each year around the United States and Canada.

He was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles.

During his illness he was so blessed with visits from his family, pastors and Stephen minister, and his friends, and with many cards, phone calls and e-mails from all over the country. That year turned out to be one of the best in his life.

Don's sister-in-law, Carolyn Langholz, so aptly described him as a kind and gentle man. Don's faith was strong, and he had no doubt he was transitioning to a wonderful new home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1770 Baxter Road SE, Salem, OR 97306; or to Willamette Valley Hospice.

Directions to the church: Take Commercial Street south five miles from downtown Salem and turn left on Baxter Road.

Directions to the cemetery: Take Interstate 205 to Exit 17, Foster Road. Go east to 110th and turn right to the cemetery, which is on the left.